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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Josefa ask to do with Amara?

2. Who takes in Josefa?

3. What does Amara do with the salt water on her body?

4. What does Joffre ask Palinor?

5. Who sends a priest for the child?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is waiting for Severo when he returns home?

2. What does Severo tell the nuns about Amara's suffering?

3. When a man comes up to Amara and Josefa as they cut nettles what does he tell them?

4. What is the creature, the nervados, tracked doing when they see it and what happens in the first few minutes?

5. Who rescues Palinor and how did they do it?

6. What does Josefa observe about Amara especially when thinking about her younger brothers?

7. Where is Palinor staying in Cuidad and what does Beneditx do about Palinor?

8. How does Sor Blancha realize Amara misses Josefa and what happens when she does?

9. What does Palinor tell Beneditx about his view of the truth?

10. Why is Beneditx angry and what does he remember about his mother's anger?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When the prefect immediately throws Palinor in jail for not having a religion, it is clear that the island has no tolerance for dissenters, despite their station in life. Part of that intolerance is driven by fear, as the Christians on this island believe that religion keeps lawlessness at bay. Ironically, Palinor, a model of politeness and respect, has broken no moral code nor harmed anyone on Grandinsula, when he is thrown into jail.

1. Explain the irony in Palinor's situation. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think that intolerance is a problem in the world today? Why or why not?

3. Do you think that religion keeps people from committing crimes? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Amara's experience in the chapel affirms her utter lack of knowledge of God and gives Sor Agnete a new outlook on how non-Christians might see the world.

1. Why do you think Amara's experience in the chapel demonstrates there is no innate knowledge of God?

2. Do you think Sor Agnete will be able to translate what she realizes into wisdom? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think Amara would be frightened by the crucifix?

Essay Topic 3

Severo's dream brings to light the role the Cardinal has played in Palinor's downfall. Severo easily could have let Palinor go, as the man clearly washed up on Grandinsula by accident, but Severo chose to detain Palinor, because he was interested in talking further with the atheist. What has happened to Palinor on Grandinsula is not a result of God's providence or God's hand, but of Severo's selfish desires.

1. Do you think it is Severo's fault that Palinor is being held? Why or why not?

2. Do you think Palinor should lie to save his life? Why or why not?

3. What would you do if you were in Severo's position? How about Palinor's?

(see the answer keys)

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